AUGUST 28, 2001

Ferrari ready for Belgium

LUCA BADOER has completed the shakedown program for the three Ferraris that Michael Schumacher and Co. will take to Spa-Francorchamps for this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix.

The newly-minted world champion has also been given the all-clear to race at Spa following a medical check-up in the wake of his dramatic testing shunt at Mugello last week.

The German complained of a stiff neck after the accident, but has apparently bounced back to form and doctors have given him the all-clear to take part in Belgium - his favorite race of the season.

"It was a shock to have another accident so soon," said Schumacher, who had an accident of similar magnitude while testing at Monza prior to the German Grand Prix in July.

At Mugello Schumacher was adjudged to have lost his rear wing on the start- finish straight although Ferrari has yet to confirm the results of its investigation. The car was heavily damaged in the impact, which began in the braking zone for the first corner, but Schumacher escaped largely unscathed.